Stay updated with the top headlines from 28th April 2025. This GK update covers national, international, economy, banking, defense, appointments, awards, schemes, summits, science, and important days — tailored for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other competitive exams.
National News
1. What breakthrough has India achieved in cervical cancer screening?
Answer: India launched indigenous HPV test kits developed by DBT, AIIMS Delhi, NICPR, NIRRCH, and WHO-IARC, targeting 7–8 high-risk HPV types to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.
2. How many people have been lifted out of extreme poverty in India over the past decade?
Answer: 171 million people were lifted out of extreme poverty between 2011–12 and 2022–23, reducing the rate from 16.2% to 2.3%, as per World Bank’s Spring 2025 report.
State News
3. What conservation milestone was achieved at Kuno National Park?
Answer: Cheetah Nirva gave birth to five cubs, raising the park’s cheetah count to 29 and India’s total to 31. Two cheetahs were also relocated to Gandhi Sagar sanctuary.
4. What infrastructure projects were sanctioned in Mangaluru?
Answer: ₹40 crore for Kallapu-Sajipa riverfront road, ₹12 crore for Pavoor-Uliya hanging bridge, and ₹200 crore for coastal erosion prevention.
5. What features define Chennai’s Kalaignar Centenary Park?
Answer: The park includes a 500m zipline, aviary, treehouses, botanical exhibits, selfie benches, and shaded arbours, blending recreation and education.
Economy News
6. What is Fitch’s revised GDP growth forecast for India in FY25?
Answer: Fitch downgraded India’s growth forecast to 6.4% due to global trade tensions and the US-China trade war.
Books & Authors
7. What is the theme of the novel “The Kashmir Shawl”?
Answer: Written by Rosie Thomas, the novel explores love, identity, and colonial history across Wales, Kashmir, and Ladakh through a dual-timeline narrative.
Awards News
8. Who received Fiji’s highest civilian honor in April 2025?
Answer: Madhusudan Sai was awarded the Companion of the Order of Fiji for humanitarian work, including founding the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Children’s Hospital.
9. Which organization won the Udyog Vikas Award?
Answer: NICDC was honored for developing the Palakkad Industrial Smart City, transforming Kerala’s industrial landscape.
Defense News
10. What defense deal did India sign with France?
Answer: India signed a $7.4 billion deal for 26 Rafale fighter jets (22 single-seaters, 4 twin-seaters), with deliveries expected by 2030.
Schemes News
11. What milestone did the UDAN scheme reach in April 2025?
Answer: UDAN completed 8 years, adding 120 new destinations and benefiting 4 crore passengers through affordable regional air connectivity.
12. What is the Ayushman Vay Vandana Scheme launched in Delhi?
Answer: It offers ₹10 lakh health insurance to citizens aged 70+, combining ₹5 lakh from the Centre and ₹5 lakh from Delhi Govt, with a digital health card for each beneficiary.
Summits & Conferences
13. What declaration was adopted at the BRICS Labour Ministers’ Meeting 2025?
Answer: The declaration focused on ethical AI, climate change, and green jobs, with India showcasing FutureSkills Prime, NCS, and Mission LiFE.
Science & Technology
14. What engine test did ISRO conduct at IPRC?
Answer: ISRO successfully conducted a short-duration hot test of its semicryogenic engine, validating ignition and subsystem performance for future launch vehicles.
Important Days
15. What is the theme of World Intellectual Property Day 2025?
Answer: “IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IP” — highlighting IP’s role in supporting artists and the music industry.
16. What is the significance of Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day?
Answer: It commemorates the 1986 nuclear disaster, raising awareness about radiation risks and long-term health impacts.
17. What is the theme of World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025?
Answer: “Revolutionising Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalisation at Work.”
18. What is the theme of World Veterinary Day 2025?
Answer: “Animal Health Takes a Team” — emphasizing collaborative efforts in veterinary care and public health.